The Global Story
The Global Story
Jeremy Bowen: Trump has called for an Iran uprising. The lessons from Iraq in 1991 loom large
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14 March 2026
15 minutes
Available for over a year
In this special essay, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen explains what can happen when an American president calls for an uprising – and then doesn’t get involved when it starts.
A version of this piece first ran on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on 11 March.
Producer for The Global Story: Xandra Ellin
Mix: James Shield
Senior news editor: China Collins
Photo: Jeremy Bowen, October 2025